Mayoral candidates spar over crime issues

Published 9:50 pm, Saturday, August 17, 2013

Candidate Ben Hall speaks at a 2013 Mayoral Forum sponsored by the Baptist Ministers Association of Houston at the J.J. Roberson Family Life Center August 17, 2013.(Dave Rossman photo)

Candidate Ben Hall speaks at a 2013 Mayoral Forum sponsored by the Baptist Ministers Association of Houston at the J.J. Roberson Family Life Center August 17, 2013.(Dave Rossman photo)

Photo: Dave Rossman, Freelance

Image 2 of 3

Mayor Annise Parker and Ben Hall appear at a political event sponsored by the Baptist Ministers Association of Houston at the J.J. Roberson Family Life Center.

Mayor Annise Parker and Ben Hall appear at a political event sponsored by the Baptist Ministers Association of Houston at the J.J. Roberson Family Life Center.

Photo: Dave Rossman, Freelance

Image 3 of 3

Mayor Annise Parker and Ben Hall appear at a political event sponsored by the Baptist Ministers Association of Houston at the J.J. Roberson Family Life Center.

Mayor Annise Parker and Ben Hall appear at a political event sponsored by the Baptist Ministers Association of Houston at the J.J. Roberson Family Life Center.

Photo: Dave Rossman, Freelance

Mayoral candidates spar over crime issues

1 / 3

Back to Gallery

Houston's mayoral candidates, including incumbent Annise Parker, met Saturday night at one of the first events of the election season to discuss their plans for the city's future, including their takes on crime, infrastructure and the economy.

Parker and challenger Ben Hall have sparred over whether the Baptist Ministers Association of Houston and Vicinity's event should be considered a forum or a debate. Hall, an attorney, challenged Parker to participate in six debates. Parker's camp considered this first event a debate, but Hall's campaign insists it was a forum.

Parker is seeking her third and final two-year term in the Nov. 5 election.

During their one-minute introductions, Parker focused on her plans to improve the inner city. Hall, her leading opponent, followed with a small jab.

"What she has not accomplished in the last 16 years, she will not accomplish in the next two," said Hall, referring to Parker's years as city comptroller and on the City Council.

Jab at Parker

Each candidate was given a minute to respond to moderators' questions. Candidates then fielded questions from the audience.

On at least two occasions, Hall said he needed to factually correct the mayor's responses. Moderators ultimately gave Parker two extra minutes to defend herself against Hall's remarks.

Dick also took a jab at Parker during questions when he spoke about cutting back on spending.

"Why does the mayor have to ride around in a limousine?" he asked.

When asked how candidates would reduce crime, Parker noted that the crime was the lowest in the city since the 1970s and that her administration has increased the number of police officers on the streets.

"Public safety starts with each one of us," she said, urging churches and other groups to join efforts to reduce crime.

Hall said the city should spend more money on technology to enhance the city's ability to monitor criminals.

"We don't have to tolerate crime in the city," he said. "We need less criminals, not more police officers."

Direct question

After the forum ended, Parker said she treated it like any other campaign event she has attended.

"I have always been a person who answers a direct question with a direct answer," she said. "This has not been about who's sitting up here with me tonight. This is about a conversation with the voters of the city of Houston."

Ronald Ravenell, 42, attended the event with his 12-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter to learn more about the candidates.

While he's not sure who he will vote for yet, he called Parker and Hall the top contenders.